Three Common Infant Ailments

What New Parents Must Know About Common Ailments in Babies?

As a parent you try to do everything you can to make sure that your baby is healthy and happy. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, your baby will probably deal with some of the more common infant ailments. How to deal with these ailments and when to seek your doctor’s advice The following are usually nothing serious. Your baby will probably need extra cuddles and care but they can easily be treated at home.

Digestive issues

Tummy troubles are not unusual. As your baby grows, she will begin to use her hands and her mouth to explore her world. This is a great milestone for your baby but it will expose her to more dirty surfaces.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is usually characterized by frequent, strong smelling, watery bowel movements. Although messy and smelly, diarrhea is the body’s way to try and get rid of germs and toxins. It can be caused by viral or bacterial illnesses, diet changes or reactions to medications. You want to keep an eye out for dehydration. Give small frequents sips of water or coconut water. If your baby is younger than 6 months, breastmilk is your best bet since it’s easily digested and it will not irritate the digestive system. Lethargy, dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, blood in the stool, vomiting or high fever are all signs that you need to seek medical attention.

Constipation

Constipation refers to the difficulty and discomfort of bowel movements. The hard stool causes discomfort because it stretches the skin and can cause anal fissures. Diet changes are a common culprit of constipation. Once your baby begins eating solid foods, you will have to pay close attention to how they are affecting her. Introduce foods one at a time and make sure to space them out. Pears, cucumbers, apples and chia seeds are foods that can aid the digestive system by providing needed fluid and fiber. Seek medical advice from your doctor if your baby seems to be in a lot of discomfort and she hasn’t had a bowel movement in more than a couple of days.

Viral illnesses

Your baby’s immune system will have to be “tested” in order to get stronger. Exposure to viruses and bacteria can’t be completely avoided.

Common cold

Runny or stuffy nose, body aches and fever are prominent cold symptoms. These symptoms can last for a couple of days but they usually clear out with no complications. Try and keep your baby comfortable with rest, steam baths and plenty of fluids. A teething necklace for babies can be a great comfort to your baby during a cold. The necklace can help soothe your baby by relieving inflammation and pain while giving her immune system a boost. Succinic acid is a healing natural component that is released from the necklace as long as it is in contact with your baby’s skin. You only need to remove the necklace during bed and bath time.

Roseola

This common virus is characterized by a runny nose, fever (102 degrees or higher) that lasts 3 or more days. Once the fever breaks, a pink rash will appear on your baby’s body. The rash is a sign that the body is clearing out the virus. All the available treatments aim to keep your baby comfortable while she gets through the illness. Herbal popsicles, steam baths and skin to skin are great soothing alternatives. Call your doctor if your baby is lethargic, has loss of appetite, trouble breathing or seems to have ear pain.

Rashes

The appearance of rashes is very common. Most of the time they are nothing serious. You might have to make some changes to things like detergent, soaps or wipes.

Diaper rash

From time to time, you will probably deal with an irritated bottom. Diaper rash is caused by the constant moisture in the diaper area. Any type of diaper rash cream can help alleviate the symptoms. Make sure you are changing your baby frequently. Let her air dry for a couple of minutes before putting a diaper back on. If the rash is stubborn and it isn’t responding to home treatments, you might consider that it’s actually a yeast rash. This rash is a fungal overgrowth due to the moisture in the area. Seek medical advice if you suspect a yeast rash or if it begins to blister and bleed.

Heat rash

This rash is due to your baby sweating too much and causing her tiny pores to clog up. The rash commonly appears on the back of the neck, chest, bottom and genital area. If your baby has this prickly rash, undress her and let her dry and cool off. Heat rash is common during the summer months but during winter make sure you don’t over bundle your baby and cause her to sweat too much. Seek medical advice if your baby has a fever and the rash seems to be getting worse.

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